Despite facing a daunting diagnosis of metastatic dysgerminoma at just 14, Zandile’s journey has been met with a wave of support and care from CHOC, which has ensured she never misses an appointment and has the nutrition she needs when she returns home.
Polokwane, South Africa (09 April 2025) – Being thrown into a whirlwind of hospital visits, admissions, medical tests and treatments far away from home is a turn that 14-year-old Zandile* never expected her young life to take.
Diagnosed with metastatic dysgerminoma and undergoing treatment at Pietersburg Hospital, the young teen relies on hospital transport to reach the nearest healthcare facility. From there, she still needs to travel approximately 40 kilometres to get home.
It’s been a hard and daunting journey to healing. Thankfully, the intervention of the Childhood Cancer Foundation of South Africa (CHOC) has brought much ease through a transport fund that ensures Zandile never misses an appointment, providing the necessary support for her to continue her treatment since her diagnosis in July 2024.
Recognising that good nutrition is crucial for cancer patients, CHOC also provides Zandile, many other youngsters in her position, with food parcels. These help ensure that she continues receiving proper nutrition after being discharged from the hospital, to enjoy back at home where she lives with her uncle, his wife, her grandmother, and two young cousins.
“For this young girl, the food parcels bring comfort and security—she particularly loves instant noodles and is always excited to collect her package, knowing she will have something to eat at home,” CHOC shares.
“Adjusting to the hospital environment and expressing her emotions was challenging for her as a teenager, especially since it was her first hospital admission.”
However, this young warrior has received psychosocial support provided by a CHOC social worker who has helped Zandile cope with the emotional challenges and pain associated with her treatment.
CHOC’s holistic approach—ensuring access to treatment, nutrition, and emotional well-being—has played a vital role in Zandile’s journey, allowing her to focus on healing and recovery.
If you know of a child or family diagnosed with childhood cancer or a life-threatening blood disorder and who needs help, please refer them to CHOC’s pathways here.
*Names changes for privacy reasons.
Sources: Childhood Cancer Foundation of South Africa (CHOC)
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